Troubleshoot my friend's computer

[Infohawk]

My friend has a Gateway desktop from two years ago. The power button triggers the system fans which don't throttle down like they usually do. The DVD drive works. There is no bios print to the scren. The monitor just says "no signal."

I'm guessing it's the mobo, in which case i'm guessing it's probably just easier to buy a new system, right? Anybody think there are any cheap and straightforward ways to save this system?

 

[KGB]

Have you tried clearing the CMOS?

Does it have onboard video or a card?

 

[Infohawk]

Onboard video. I will google clearing the CMOS.

 

[Ausm]

If that doesn't work open up the case and see if anything is fried in the case. I would also reseat the memory and make sure the inside is clean and the cooling fans are working properly.

 

[Infohawk]

How would I know if it's the CMOS battery?

 

[jackschmittusa]

Battery usually generates a "checksum error" as it is failing. My battery tester has a button cell tester, but you can check it with a multi-meter as well. Doesn't sound like the battery though.

Do you have access to a video card that you can pop into it for testing? I keep an old PCI card around for that.

Can you try attaching the monitor and cable to another machine to verify the monitor and cable?

 

[imported_Flimflam]

I've got the same issue on a spare computer I put together. Tried everything mentioned here and a few other things. it's got me stumped.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Whenever you have this issue (NO POST NO VIDEO), the best thing to do is bring the system down to minimum configuration. The required components to complete POST are CPU, RAM, VGA (which yours is onboard) and Power. So unplug everything you don't need to complete POST, and see what happens.

If the symptom doesn't change, pull out the RAM and power on the system, the mobo should return POST errors. If not, reseat the CPU and try again. You can try the same thing on the VGA when it's an expansion card..If these steps don't yield results, you probably have a failing mobo..